HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

Severus placed the letter on the table, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the edge. "He knows I'm deciphering ancient runic formulas; he's very well-informed."

"There are always ears in Professor Slughorn's club," Ian said, leaning against the lab bench. "Shall we go?"

“Unique copies are certainly attractive,” Severus did not answer directly, “but the price won’t be just a brief exchange.”

Severus nodded, put the letter away, and didn't continue the topic.

But Ian knew that this matter had taken root in his mind.

A few days later, another letter arrived, this time from Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall approved Severus's application to stay on campus for the summer, but a long-term stay would have to wait until after his junior year; he was welcome to return to campus early this summer.

Enclosed with the letter was a letter of recommendation from Professor Slughorn.

"It's done." Ian flicked the parchment. "It seems Professor Slughorn put in a lot of effort. Now, even if you want to go back to school early to cause trouble later in the summer, you'll have a place."

Severus carefully read through each clause, especially the sections on material sourcing and safety regulations, finding them "more lenient than expected."

"After all, you're a rising star who's learned to pay attention now." Ian patted him on the shoulder. "A professor's investment needs to see a return, right? By the way, I should tell my parents about this."

That evening, Leah and John were overjoyed to hear the news.

John reminded Severus that he could contact him anytime if he needed to handle any procedures at the Ministry of Magic.

"Looks like you've really cemented the image of this 'perfect kid' in our family, Severus," Ian teased after returning to his room. "My mom looks at me with a pity that says, 'Look at him!'"

Severus, who was organizing his research notes for the day, paused upon hearing this and said softly, "...This place is very good."

"It's good to know." Ian smiled and didn't continue the topic. Instead, he suggested that we try Doraemon's new recipes this weekend.

Kevin and Aris came to visit in mid-August. Kevin was amazed by the spacious backyard and immediately wanted to try it out as a practice area for chasers to work around cones, but Ian and Aris stopped him.

Aris and Severus discussed the Runestone fragments for nearly two hours. Before leaving, Aris borrowed two copies of Severus's notes, which he had already outlined, promising to cross-verify them when they returned.

"How was your summer vacation...?"

As Kevin was leaving, he looked at Ian, who was noticeably calmer, or rather, who had been rendered speechless by the potion, and Severus, who was standing calmly beside him, and shook his head with admiration. "That was so efficient. I think I need to go back and study too, otherwise I'll be left far behind when school starts."

One evening in the last week of August, the two had just finished work and were resting on the backyard balcony.

The setting sun painted the sky a warm orange hue.

Looking at Severus's profile, softened by the twilight, Ian suddenly asked, "Is your hand alright?"

Severus was drinking tea when he heard this, and his fingers curled slightly. "It's all fine now."

"That's good." Ian didn't press further, and stretched. "Speaking of which, have you grown a little taller? That coat my mom brought back last time seems to fit you better now."

Severus glanced at him without saying a word, but his ears seemed to be a little red, whether from the setting sun or something else, it was hard to tell.

In the last few days of his vacation, Severus began to organize his research data and notes from the summer and thoroughly cleaned his workspace, restoring it to its original state, making it even tidier and more organized than when he arrived.

Ian reluctantly began packing his luggage.

On the night before leaving home, dinner was exceptionally lavish, and Dora did her best to prepare it.

At the dinner table, Leah inquired in detail about Severus's research progress and gave some practical advice on interpersonal relationships within the Potions Society.

John reminded them to pay attention to their schedules after school starts and not to stay up late just because they got used to a relaxed summer vacation.

After the meal, Severus thanked the Burkes very sincerely for their care throughout the summer.

"Don't say that, Severus, we're so glad you could come," Leah said gently. "You've made Ian's summer a real one."

"Mom—" Ian protested, drawing out his words.

John smiled and said, "You're welcome to come again anytime. Your workspace will always be reserved for you."

……

The next day, King's Cross Station was still busy.

In the mist of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Leah embraced Ian and then gently patted Severus on the shoulder.

"Write a letter, be careful, and remember to eat on time."

John stood to the side and nodded to the two of them. "Study hard."

Passing through the wall, the Hogwarts Express's crimson carriages appeared and disappeared in the steam.

They quickly found the cubicle that Kevin and Aris had reserved.

"Hey! Over here!" Kevin leaned half his body out of the car window, waving vigorously, his red hair standing out against the steam.

After the luggage was put away, the train slowly started moving.

London's streetscapes are gradually being replaced by fields and hedges.

Kevin couldn’t wait to start sharing his “thrilling” Quidditch training camp experiences during the summer, while Aris and Severus discussed the tedious runes.

Somehow the conversation drifted to the upcoming third grade.

"Elective courses." Aris pulled a form from his leather folder, which was marked with three colors of ink. "Ancient Rune, Arithmetic Divination, Protecting Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, Divination. You must choose at least two."

"I'd definitely choose to protect magical creatures!" Kevin said immediately. "I heard this is Professor Kettleburn's last year teaching, and he always has 'surprises' in his classes. Plus, understanding magical creatures can help chasers avoid distractions—what if a mischievous ball-escape bird flies down onto the field?"

He turned to Severus and Ian: "And you two?"

Ian leaned against the window, watching the scenery rush by outside. "Ancient Rune is definitely the one to choose."

He glanced at Severus. "Otherwise, when some people are deciphering the manuscript fragments, they won't even have anyone to discuss it with."

Severus, who was flipping through an old notebook, didn't even look up when he heard this: "The discussion will only be meaningful if you can consistently complete the vocabulary memorization every week."

"Listen to that tone, he's already acting like a professor before the semester has even started."

Ian chuckled and shook his head. "And the second one? Arithmetic divination? You seem like the type of class that's all charts and numbers."

"I'm considering it." Severus closed his notebook. "Arithmetic divination can help in understanding potions, and..."

He paused, then lowered his voice, "Professor Slughorn hinted that some senior researchers in the Potions Society prefer apprentices with interdisciplinary backgrounds."

"What about the other one?" Lily's voice came from the doorway of the cubicle. She walked in with a few books in her arms, smiling. "Not planning to try Professor Fitz's teacup challenge?"

"No need," Ian and Severus said almost simultaneously, then exchanged a glance.

Ian added, "I'm not interested in seeing dark, ominous things in tea leaves, especially since that might just be because I didn't wash the cup properly."